Purinergic modulation in inflammation-induced neurodegeneration (A16)

• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 335447717

Adenosine is a ubiquitous molecule that plays a critical role in modulating neuronal responses and immunoregulation. Adenosine kinase (ADK) is a key regulator of intracellular adenosine levels, catalysing its conversion to 5’-adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Previously, we detected that ADK is upregulated in activated astrocytes and T cells during neuroinflammation. Therefore, our aim is to comprehensively profile the cellular functions of ADK in the affected cell types and to assess their neuroprotective potential. This will include investigating ADK’s capacity to alter cellular methylation through the transmethylation pathway.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1328: Adenine Nucleotides in Immunity and Inflammation
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Manuel A. Friese; Dr. Daniela Hirnet, until 6/2026; Dr. Charlotte Schubert, since 7/2026